Free Plan: Build a Picture Frame

Framing is something woodworkers tend to shy away from: It may be fear of damaging an irreplaceable piece of art or of putting less-than-perfect miter joints on display. Frames tend to get scrutinized because they are the vehicles for displaying art; and because art is critiqued up close, the frame will be, too.

The good news is that professional-quality frames are not hard to make. The techniques are mostly familiar to woodworkers, there is only a modest outlay on tools and jigs, and frame stock can be purchased ready-made or built from scratch in your shop.

Article Comments

Picture frames need not be turned into something very complicated.
I've been doing them for years.
Routing the wood I wish to use in the frame, at first used a Craftsman mitre saw, now a chop saw. Have used all types of wood- from pine to exotics.

Member Exclusives

At first glance, Charles Limbert’s designs might look similar to other Arts and Crafts furniture, but his work has distinct details that make his pieces stand out from other designs of the genre. Jonathan Binzen breaks out what makes Limbert’s designs unique.